I have been a Mimi now for ten years. Not sure how the years managed to creep up and get away from me, but they did. I went from Mom to Mimi faster than one could believe. In a flash, right before my eyes and I didn’t see it coming.
Now I have found myself in the trenches with other Mimi’s, or Grandma’s, or Nana’s, or MeeMaw’s (as Young Sheldon calls her) and all of us have a heart to pray for our grandkids. World events and the changes occurring leave our thoughts wondering, our hearts heavy, and our knees shaking. We’re all praying for one another’s grandkids as if they were our own.
And can I just say, it has been a joy and a privilege not only to pray but to rejoice in answered prayers. In each and every victory, we all are benefiting and winning the war to save the next generation. Don’t underestimate the influence we yet have as we get down to praying.
Paul in writing to young Timothy reminded him of the influence of his grandmother:
“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:5, NIV)
May I share a few suggestions that I am learning as of late?
- Faith begins with each of us. We each get to start a legacy of faith. The influence of a grandmother, and mother, can train our kids from a young start. We can help develop in them a love for God’s Word and ways. But it begins with us. We must stay in the Word, letting our roots continue to be nurtured by God’s truths.
- Stay present in the lives of your grandchildren. Whether we see them every day or once in a while, we can stay connected. Stay interested in their activities, ask questions, and converse. We can lovingly and faithfully let our presence be felt.
- Pray. As we stay connected and learn of what they are experiencing, pray for them faithfully. Ask others to pray for them as well, believing, “The prayer of a righteous man [woman] is powerful and effective” (James 5:16, NIV).
The best gift we can give to our grandchildren is our own lives of sincere faith.
May we faithfully, consistently and persistently point them to Jesus.
Prayer: O Lord, the world surrounds our grandchildren, pressing in around them and causing us concern. May we continue to grow in Your Word even as we grow older. Help us as grandparents to be godly influences, who stay involved in their lives and faithfully bring them before Your throne. Help us to live lives that point them to Jesus. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
Today I am joining … #ChasingCommunity and Heart Encouragement and Tune In Thursday and Moments of Hope .
Loved these ideas Joanne and I’m trying to do this with all my loved ones as well. For me right now it’s all about trying to #BePresent. Thanks for your wisdom!
Thanks, Jill, and I am enjoying your Lent series.
I really do not want to miss out on this blessing, and I tell myself every single day that I want to be found faithful as a Bam to my two tiny grandchildren. That begins by saying their names each day to God and asking for His blessing upon their little lives.
What a wonderful way to start the day and bless the lives of your little ones. And I love that you are a “Bam”.
I’m a MiMi, too, and the responsibility of leaving them a legacy of faith is always on my mind! I want to be faithful in calling out their names to the Lord every day and modeling Jesus as much as my imperfect self can!
Jerralea, isn’t it amazing how they are always on our mind and in our prayers. May we be faithful in building a legacy of faith.
Hey Mimi, you are such a blessing to me and my two grands! You are faithful. Thank you. One certain hairclip is headed for Israel this evening. Your prayers are appreciate!!!
Susan, it truly has been a joy and blessing to join our Mimi hearts together for our grands. I will surely be praying for Hannah and the group. May God give them safe travels and good days. xo
Joanne, your words reminded me of the legacy my Nanny left me with. So thankful for the ways she lived out her faith. Beautiful picture of the three generations!
Crystal, It is a treasure for sure when we have had lives of faith in our family. I treasure my own memories of my grandmother and think of her words often.
Joanne,
Such truth! A grandmother’s prayers are so powerful! I have heard many times as I’ve listened to the stories of people who had hard beginnings, yet they had a Grandma who prayed. They have given their ability to rise to her and those prayers ♥ Thank you so much for reminding us that at every stage of life, our prayers are POWERFUL!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
It’s so true, Lori. At every stage of life, our prayers are powerful. It’s always good to join you!